Dawn Richard's big commercial break came when she won a spot in Diddy's girl group, Danity Kane, after competing in Making the Band 3. The group eventually dissolved, but Richard worked once again with Puff for his Dirty Money project, only to start recording her solo material shortly after. In 2013, she began her album trilogy with Goldenheart, with Blackheart following in 2015. REDEMPTION completes the endeavor, and the "self-realization" full-length is a dashing finish. With Machinedrum handling a bulk of the production, Richard is able to experiment freely and create a bass heavy, dancefloor-friendly, DISTINCTIVE collage of pop, electronic, dance, and r&b. A pleasing listen from beginning to end, highlights include "Voices," "LA," "Love Under Lights," Renegades," Black Crimes," and Lazarus." Recommended.

• music label: Local Action 2016

reviewed by heloim 01/2017